Gov. Bobby Jindal is certainly right in seeking ways to cut down on the cost of higher education in Louisiana to satisfy budget shortfalls. Though good colleges and universities are necessary for our future well-being, there is nothing sacred about them that would prevent economizing if effective cuts could be made.
For example, Baton Rouge has two public universities and so does New Orleans. It seems that consolidating them could save money. Also, the trend in Louisiana has been for two-year colleges to become four-year colleges and four-year colleges to become universities with graduate programs. It seems programs of the latter universities could be consolidated to avoid duplication where it is not necessary and instead spread the availability of trade schools and the like where they are needed in communities throughout the state.
We know that most state colleges and universities become entities unto themselves and the staffs of each want to become as big as possible. But that is not always in the best interest of the state.
So we support the governor in his efforts to somewhat redefine public education in the state to better serve the needs of business and industry at less cost if possible. And that will better serve the people.
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